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Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems 2025: Electrification Dominates, but Internal Combustion Still Fights
The automotive landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in a century. As consumer preferences shift and regulatory pressures mount, the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) is being challenged like never before. This seismic shift is vividly illustrated by the nominees for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards. While electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid systems now dominate the list, a handful of high-performance gasoline engines are proving that the ICE is far from extinct, offering a compelling blend of power, refinement, and driving engagement.
This year’s Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems showcase a diverse range of technologies, reflecting the industry’s complex transition period. From cutting-edge battery electric vehicles (BEVs) pushing the boundaries of performance to sophisticated plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offering the best of both worlds, and even a few venerable ICE stalwarts still holding their ground, the 2025 list tells a compelling story of innovation, competition, and the evolving definition of automotive excellence.
The Electric Revolution: BEVs Take Center Stage
Battery electric vehicles continue their march toward automotive supremacy, with an unprecedented number of BEVs vying for a spot on the 2025 Wards 10 Best list. This year’s nominees represent the pinnacle of EV engineering, showcasing rapid advancements in battery technology, motor efficiency, and software integration.
The Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV represents the electrification of luxury. This all-electric titan redefines the premium SUV experience, offering three rows of opulent seating, a cavernous interior, and performance metrics that rival traditional V8-powered Escalades. With GM’s Ultium platform providing the foundation, the Escalade IQ delivers breathtaking acceleration and a whisper-quiet ride, proving that electrification can enhance, rather than compromise, luxury and capability.
The Lucid Gravity BEV enters the fray as a formidable contender in the luxury electric SUV segment. Lucid, already a leader in EV range and efficiency, brings its signature blend of performance and refinement to the three-row SUV market. The Gravity promises class-leading range, blistering acceleration, and a minimalist, tech-forward interior that sets a new benchmark for the segment.
Jeep’s foray into the all-electric future is personified by the Jeep Wagoneer S BEV. This vehicle aims to combine Jeep’s legendary off-road DNA with the instant torque and silent operation of electric propulsion. The Wagoneer S represents a bold statement that electrification can enhance, rather than diminish, the adventurous spirit that defines the Jeep brand.
In the realm of performance EVs, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV returns as a 2024 winner, solidifying its status as a benchmark for electric performance. This hot-hatchback-meets-CUV hybrid delivers an exhilarating driving experience with its rally-inspired dynamics, robust motor tuning, and innovative features like the “N e-shift” system that simulates gear changes for added driver engagement.
The Kia EV9 GT Line BEV continues to impress as a 2024 returning winner. This three-row electric SUV combines practicality with performance, offering a spacious interior, advanced technology, and a surprisingly athletic driving character thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and sport-tuned suspension.
Polestar’s latest offering, the Polestar 4 BEV, pushes the boundaries of design and performance. With its sleek, coupe-like silhouette and focus on sustainability, the Polestar 4 represents a new breed of electric vehicle that prioritizes style and environmental consciousness without sacrificing performance.
The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV marks a pivotal moment in automotive history as Dodge electrifies its iconic Charger nameplate. This all-electric muscle car promises to deliver the thrilling performance and aggressive styling that Charger enthusiasts crave, while also setting the stage for the brand’s all-electric future.
Finally, the Rivian R1T Quad Max BEV continues to redefine the electric adventure vehicle. With its quad-motor system delivering torque vectoring capabilities and impressive off-road prowess, the R1T Quad Max demonstrates that electrification can enhance, rather than compromise, the rugged utility and adventurous spirit of a pickup truck.
The Hybrid Harmony: Balancing Efficiency and Performance
As the industry navigates the transition to electrification, hybrid systems are emerging as a crucial bridge technology. These systems combine the efficiency of electric propulsion with the range and convenience of internal combustion engines, offering a compelling solution for consumers seeking to reduce their environmental impact without range anxiety.
The Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV represents the epitome of hybrid luxury and capability. This flagship SUV combines a potent turbocharged V-6 engine with a hybrid system to deliver a seamless blend of power, refinement, and efficiency. The LX 700h proves that electrification can enhance, rather than compromise, the luxury and performance expected of a Lexus flagship.
The Mazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV showcases Mazda’s commitment to efficiency and driving enjoyment. This compact SUV combines a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system to deliver impressive fuel economy without sacrificing the engaging driving dynamics that Mazda is known for.
The Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3 returns as a 2024 winner, proving that even the smallest engines can deliver thrilling performance. This rally-bred hot hatch combines a potent turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system to deliver an exhilarating driving experience that rivals larger, more powerful vehicles.
The Subaru Forester 2.5L Boxer 4-cyl. HEV continues Subaru’s tradition of safety and capability, now with the added benefit of hybrid efficiency. This compact SUV combines a fuel-efficient Boxer engine with a mild-hybrid system to deliver impressive fuel economy and the sure-footedness of Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
The Toyota 4Runner 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV represents a significant step forward for this iconic off-road vehicle. By incorporating a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, Toyota has managed to improve fuel efficiency while maintaining the legendary capability and ruggedness that have made the 4Runner a cult favorite.
The Honda Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV returns as a 2024 winner, solidifying its position as a benchmark for hybrid efficiency and refinement. This compact sedan combines a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine with a sophisticated hybrid system to deliver impressive fuel economy and a comfortable, refined driving experience.
The ICE Stalwarts: Internal Combustion Refuses to Fade
Despite the rapid rise of electrification, a select group of internal combustion engines continues to impress, offering a compelling combination of power, refinement, and driving engagement that electric vehicles have yet to fully replicate. These engines represent the pinnacle of ICE engineering, showcasing decades of development and refinement.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 represents the ultimate expression of American V-8 power. This hand-built engine delivers breathtaking performance with its massive displacement, twin turbochargers, and sophisticated engineering. The ZR1’s V-8 is a testament to the enduring appeal of the naturally aspirated V-8, offering a visceral driving experience that electric vehicles simply cannot match.
The BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV demonstrates that even with the addition of a hybrid system, the internal combustion engine remains the heart of the performance sedan. This twin-turbocharged V-8 delivers exhilarating power and torque, while the plug-in hybrid system provides electric-only capability for city driving.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV showcases the sophistication of modern ICE technology. This plug-in hybrid combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to deliver a seamless blend of efficiency and performance, proving that even smaller engines can deliver impressive power when properly engineered.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger represents the cutting edge of ICE technology. This innovative system combines a turbocharged V-6 engine with an electric supercharger to deliver instant torque and impressive power, proving that the internal combustion engine is still evolving and improving.
The Audi Q5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. continues to impress with its blend of efficiency and performance. This turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers smooth power delivery and impressive fuel economy, making it a compelling choice for consumers seeking a refined and capable luxury SUV.
The Acura ADX 1.5L turbo 4-cyl. represents the future of Acura’s compact SUV strategy. This turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers impressive power and efficiency, proving that even smaller displacement engines can provide the performance and refinement expected of an Acura.
The Buick Enclave 2.5L turbo 4-cyl. showcases the evolution of the traditional American SUV. This turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers smooth power delivery and impressive fuel economy, proving that even larger vehicles can benefit from modern engine technology.
The Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV demonstrates the sophistication of modern AMG engineering. This inline-six engine, enhanced with a mild-hybrid system, delivers exhilarating performance and impressive efficiency, proving that AMG’s commitment to performance extends to electrified powertrains.
The Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6 represents the
